Mapping Toolbox

Graphic Scale

Another element used to provide an indication of size is the graphic scale. This is a ruler-like object that shows distances on the ground at the correct size for the projection. You can use the scaleruler function to add a graphic scale to the current map. The scaleruler settings can be checked or modified using getm and setm. You can also move the graphic scale to a new position by dragging its baseline.

As an example, create a map, add a graphic scale with the default settings, and shift it up a bit. Add a second scale showing nautical miles, and change the tick marks and direction. Show the same map with different ruler styles.

• worldmap('lo','guatamala','patchonly')
  
  scaleruler
  setm(handlem('scaleruler1'),'YLoc',.205)
  
  scaleruler('units','nm')
  setm(handlem('scaleruler2'),'MajorTick',0:100:300,...
       'MinorTick',0:25:50,'TickDir','down',...
       'MajorTickLength',km2nm(20),...
       'MinorTickLength',km2nm(12.5))
  
  setm(handlem('scaleruler1'),'RulerStyle','lines')
  setm(handlem('scaleruler2'),'RulerStyle','patches') 
  
  
  

Specialized Map Functions

North Arrows